270 



Harmon's journal, 



weighty affair. It has been made with the most 

 serious deliberation ; and, I hope, under a solemn 

 sense of my accountability to God. 



Having lived with this woman as my wife, 

 though we were never formally contracted to 

 each other, during life, and having children by 

 her, I consider that I am under a moral obliga- 

 tion not to dissolve the connexion, if she is 

 willing to continue it. The union which has 

 been formed between us, in the providence of 

 God, has not only been cemented by a long and 

 mutual performance of kind offices, but, also, by a 

 more sacred consideration. Ever since my own 

 mind was turned effectually to the subject of re- 

 ligion, I have taken pains to instruct her in the 

 great doctrines and duties of Christianity. My ex- 

 ertions have not been in vain. Through the mer- 

 ciful agency of the Holy Spirit, I trust that she 

 has become a partaker with me, in the consola- 

 tions and hopes of the gospel. I consider it to be 

 my duty to take her to a christian land, where she 

 may enjoy Divine ordinances, grow in grace, and 

 ripen for glory. — We have wept together over 

 the early departure of several children, and espe- 

 cially, over the death of a beloved son. We have 

 children still living, who are equally dear to us 

 both. How could I spend my days in the civiliz- 

 ed world, and leave my beloved children in the 



